Shields replaces Army Brig. Gen. Charles “Chuck” Taylor, who leaves for a new assignment later in the month, JIEDDO said.

Shields most recently was director of the National Joint Operations Intelligence Center. As a colonel, he commanded the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team during its 16-month deployment in Iraq from 2005 to 2006.

Shields was promoted to brigadier general in June 2009.

Besides operations and requirements, JIEDDO has three other deputy director positions: operations and integration, training, and rapid acquisition and technology, according to the organization's website.

JIEDDO is responsible for coordinating all Defense Department activities for combatant commanders and their respective joint task forces’ efforts to defeat IEDs. The organization focuses on taking down bomb makers’ networks, neutralizing devices and training members of the armed forces to counter the devices through various means.

About the Author

William Welsh is a freelance writer covering IT and defense technology.